Party for the Planet, Record Store Day top Gonzo's Top 5

Courtesy PhotoMy Chemical Romance: The rockers will play a sold-out show Saturday night at The Orbit Room and meet fans and sign autographs during the day at Vertigo Music as part of National Record Store Day.

In honor of spring, my Top 5 list for the weekend includes five ways to shake off the winter blues (if you still have them):

5. “Chilly Blues.” The 19th annual Chili Cook-off and Blues Crawl returns to Grand Haven for three days of great music and chili. Fans are excited about the return of Chris Beard, the International “Prince of Blues,” who performs at 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Dee-Lite, 24 Washington Ave. Tickets are $10, which allows you into all participating clubs on Friday and Saturday nights. On Sunday, the Vincent Hayes Project plays at Dee-Lite. The Chili Cook-off begins at noon Saturday; judging is at 3 p.m. More info: 846-8400 or harborrestaurants.com.

4. West Michigan Symphony’s “Beethoven & Blue Jeans.” Has attending “the symphony” always seemed a little too high-brow for you? Now, you have no excuse. The annual “Beethoven & Blue Jeans” concert from the West Michigan Symphony is always a lot of fun. Conductor Scott Speck will play some familiar classics, including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, and fans are encouraged to arrive in casual attire. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Frauenthal Theatre in Muskegon. Tickets are $10-$35; special $5 tickets are available for students. Call 231-726-3231, ext. 23, or visit WestMichiganSymphony.org. Guest artist is eighth blackbird.

3. Mega 80s. Have you been meaning to attend a Mega 80s concert at The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW? The popular Detroit-area cover band does more than just play hits by Madonna and the B-52s. They dress the part, play vintage instruments and even open the show with classic videos. Admission is $10. You must be 21 or older. The show is at 9 p.m.; doors open at 8. More info: 451-8232 or go to sectionlive.com.

2. Record Store Day. National Record Store Day is being celebrated Saturday at Vertigo Music, 129 S. Division Ave., and at other stores nationwide. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., devotees of vinyl records and indie-rock music can hear local bands, check out some cool deals and buy specially made records. My Chemical Romance, which is in town for Saturday’s sold-out show at The Orbit Room, will sign autographs and meet fans. More info: recordstoreday.com.

1. Party for the Planet. Saturday is a big day for those who want to learn about recycling, conservation and visit the animals at John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the zoo’s Party for the Planet features a drive-up recycling center. 1-800-GOT-JUNK will be accepting old computers, printers and many other electronic devices. About 25 organizations will be on hand. Admission is included in regular spring zoo admission of $5 for adults, $4 for children, and free to children 2 and younger. More info: johnballzoosociety.org.